CSIOs, Central BID Wardens, and WMP working collaboratively for a Safer Birmingham
Thousands of students will be arriving in Birmingham this month as universities welcome new and returning students for the start of the academic year.
If you’re new to the city, this may be your first time living away from home or getting to know a completely new area. Even if you’re returning for another year, it’s worth knowing what support is available and how to stay safe while making the most of student life in Birmingham.
Support on campus
West Midlands Police’s Safer Students Team works with universities across the region to help keep students safe and provide support throughout the academic year.
Dedicated university police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are available on campuses to offer advice, address concerns, and signpost students to support where needed.
For practical advice, safety information, and details of the support available, visit the Safer Students website.
Support beyond campus
Support is available beyond the university gates.
Community Safety Intervention Officers (CSIOs) operate in neighbourhoods across Birmingham. You may see these uniformed officers while travelling to and from campus, visiting local centres, or exploring different parts of the city.
CSIOs provide a visible and approachable presence, offering reassurance, reporting community safety concerns, and helping people access advice and support. If you need help, information, or simply have a concern you’d like to raise, don’t hesitate to speak to them.
Reporting antisocial behaviour and hate crime
Everyone has the right to feel safe and welcome in Birmingham.
If you experience or witness antisocial behaviour, hate crime, or a hate incident, support is available. Reporting concerns helps organisations understand local issues, support those affected, and take action where needed.
You can find information on reporting antisocial behaviour, hate crime, and accessing support services on our website.
Working together to keep Birmingham safe
Community safety is a shared effort. Through the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership, organisations including the council, police, and other public services work together to tackle crime, antisocial behaviour, and community concerns, helping neighbourhoods remain safe and welcoming for everyone who lives, studies, and works in Birmingham.
Enjoying Birmingham’s nightlife safely
Birmingham has a busy and diverse nightlife with plenty to offer.
To help keep the city centre safe and welcoming, Night Time Economy Officers provide support and reassurance during busy weekend periods. Whether you’ve become separated from friends, need directions, feel vulnerable, or simply need assistance, these officers are there to help.
Safe Spaces are also available in the city centre on weekend nights, providing a safe place for anyone who feels vulnerable, unwell, or needs support following a night out. Find out more by following this link.
Plan safer journeys with WalkSafe
As you get to know the city, there may be times when you’re travelling after dark, returning from a night out, leaving the library late, or walking through an unfamiliar area.
WalkSafe is a free app that offers personal safety features including journey planning, location sharing, and safety tools designed to help you make informed decisions when travelling. It can be particularly useful when exploring new routes, walking alone, or travelling during the evening.
Find out how to download and use WalkSafe by following this link.
A few practical safety tips
While Birmingham is generally a safe and welcoming city, there are a few simple things you can do to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime:
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially when using headphones or mobile phones in busy areas.
- Keep valuables out of sight where possible.
- Save important contact numbers in your phone.
- Let friends know your plans when heading out and look out for each other.
- Use well-lit and familiar routes where possible.
- Report any concerns, suspicious activity, or crime to the police.
Welcome to Birmingham
Birmingham is home to one of the largest student communities in the country, and organisations across the city work together to help ensure you can live, study, and socialise safely.
Whether you’re moving here for the first time or returning for another year, we hope you quickly feel at home. Take time to get to know your local area, make use of the support available, and remember that help is never far away if you need it.